Mildred Howard, an octogenarian artist whose work has recently garnered significant attention, is set to have her first major retrospective at the Oakland Museum of California, showcasing her remarkable journey through five decades of artistic expression. The exhibition, titled “Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory,” opens on 12 June and promises to illuminate the profound intertwining of her personal history with her art.
A Powerful Statement in Sculpture
In an unexpected corner of her garage, Howard has created a striking 10-foot sculpture of Junipero Serra, the controversial Spanish missionary notorious for his treatment of Native Americans. Serra is depicted bound and blindfolded, a haunting figure wrapped in a vibrant “Make America Great Again” red fabric. This piece is part of her “Untold Histories / Hidden Truths” series, where Howard challenges the reverence often afforded to figures of colonialism and slavery. The imagery is stark and powerful, encapsulating the artist’s commitment to confronting uncomfortable truths about American history.
Howard’s home and studio, a sprawling 15,000-square-foot warehouse in West Oakland, is a testament to her creative spirit. Here, the lines between life and art blur; her surroundings are filled with remnants of her public installations, including fragments from notable projects that pay homage to the rich cultural tapestry of her community. The vibrant atmosphere is a reflection of her lifelong dedication to art, a dedication that has finally begun to receive the recognition it deserves.
A Rising Star in the Art World
In recent years, Howard’s profile has risen dramatically within the art community. She has been awarded honorary doctorates from both the California College of the Arts and California State University, East Bay, and her extensive archive has found a home at UC Berkeley’s Bancroft Library. Most notably, after years of perseverance, she received a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship in April 2025, a moment so surreal that she felt compelled to confirm its authenticity with the institution.
“It’s been an explosion of activity that’s really gratifying to see,” says Carin Adams, senior curator at the Oakland Museum. “There have been so many voices like Mildred’s that have been underappreciated, and it feels like she’s having the moment she’s long deserved.”
Born in 1945 into a family of ten in San Francisco, Howard was raised in an environment rich with activism and creativity. Her parents, both labourers turned entrepreneurs, instilled in her a profound sense of community and social responsibility. Her mother, known as “Mama” Howard, was a prominent figure in local activism, fighting against infrastructural decisions that threatened to disenfranchise their predominantly Black neighbourhood.
The Intersection of Art and Life
Howard’s work often reflects her deep-rooted connection to her community and the concept of home. Her installations, such as “Blackbird in a Red Sky” and her dollhouse-sized glass bottle houses, explore themes of memory and belonging. “Houses hold memories. They’re like vessels of information,” says Howard, underscoring her belief in art as a reflection of personal and collective narratives.
After being forced to vacate her long-time studio due to a staggering rent increase, Howard relocated to her current space in West Oakland, which she transformed into a vibrant habitat for both living and creating. The warehouse, once a canvas wholesaler, now resonates with her artistic essence—an inviting space where cooking and creativity intermingle. “Cooking for me is just as creative as making art,” Howard explains, demonstrating how her passion for food serves as another medium for expressing love and community.
The retrospective at the Oakland Museum has been a labour of love for curators, who immersed themselves in Howard’s world to gather personal artifacts that help narrate her life story. Items such as a childhood wooden chair from her first art classes and heartfelt notes from her late partner, John Moore, are included to provide a deeper understanding of the influences that shaped her art.
Why it Matters
Mildred Howard’s retrospective is not merely an exhibition of art; it is a celebration of resilience, a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. As she finally receives the recognition that has eluded her for so long, Howard’s journey serves as inspiration for countless artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Her work challenges us to confront our history, celebrate our identities, and understand the intricate relationship between art and life. In a world often quick to forget the stories of its creators, Howard’s retrospective is a crucial reminder of the significance of narrative, memory, and the transformative power of art.
